Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) girls’ education, (b) women’s economic empowerment, (c) the women, peace and security agenda and (d) other gender equality policies are a core priority for his Department.

Advancing gender equality and women's rights are a core part of the UK Government's mission, and Global Britain's role as a force for good in the world. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to this agenda.

The new FCDO will continue to be a progressive force women and girls, including for their right to education, addressing the barriers to economic empowerment and promoting their meaningful participation in peace processes. We will work closely with partners across HMG to leverage the best development, diplomatic, defence and trade approaches to achieve maximum impact.

The UK International Development Act (Gender Equality) 2014 also makes a consideration of gender equality in all UK Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) a legal requirement. The Act puts our commitment to gender equality within ODA spend on a statutory footing and ensures that gender equality remains at the heart of our work.